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Since I filed to run for Mayor, over 18 months ago, I have made it my mission to make sure government was working better for our neighborhoods and our residents. I have hosted neighborhood meetings in nearly every part of our city and learned the issues that our residents care about. That’s why I launched my Neighborhoods First Initiative. I am excited to report that since this launch, over 500 residents have joined my Mayor’s Neighborhood Advisory Group.

I am the only candidate who has released detailed plans for our city – from our neighborhoods, to homelessness to reducing taxes – I am the most prepared to serve as Mayor.

I am asking for your vote for Mayor on Tuesday, March 12, 2019 so I can keep working for you.

A Plan for the Northend of West Palm Beach

Keith James has a plan to make the Northend of West Palm Beach a priority so that we can solve crime, homeless issues, traffic concerns and make it the gateway of the north into West Palm Beach.

Keith’s Northend Priorities

The Anchor Site

Currie Park

Mayor’s Village Initiative

Broadway Corridor Investment

Market the Northend

Oversee Northend Capital Improvement Projects

Address Absentee Landlord Issues

Move Purpose Built Communities Forward

Protect our Parks & Open Spaces

Proper Code Enforcement

Prioritize Community Policing

Connect our Neighborhoods Utilizing our City Trolleys

Work with our Local Schools

Quarterly Meetings Hosted in the Northend

Engage with the Community

The Anchor Site

This site is a game changer for the northend and will provide an economic boost to the community and the density needed to keep people on the streets and in our shops, restaurants and retailers along Northwood. The project should better connect Northwood Road and the surrounding neighborhoods. Keith will push to get the project off the ground quickly.Complete Neighborhood and Capital Improvement Projects

There are over 35 projects valued at over $52 million in the works in the northend as part of the 1 Penny Sales Tax, bonds and other funding sources. These projects are going towards northend parks and recreation, transportation, traffic and pedestrian safety, and infrastructure such as utilities and other critical needs. Keith will make sure these projects get completed and residents are communicated to about the status of the projects.

Prioritize the Mayor’s Village Initiative

The Mayor’s Village Initiative will continue to be a priority. Based on 5 Pillars, the program is focused on preventing and reducing youth violence and improving the lives of young African American males in the historic Northwest, Coleman Park and Pleasant City neighborhoods. On the Commission, Keith supported this program and will continue to build on its success as Mayor.

Invest Into the Broadway Corridor

Revitalize the Broadway Corridor through economic development incentives and rezoning that attracts businesses, retailers and mixed-use opportunities to locate along the corridor. Keith understands the economic engine the Port of Palm Beach, Rybovich Marina and the marine and tourism industry can have along this corridor. Keith wants to capitalize on the growing need of the business and leisure market and the impact it can have in the northend of our city. Keith is committed to reviewing how we can expedite permits for businesses looking to move into the northend CRA and how incentives can be used to support local businesses in helping clean up their façade or building to attract tenants and customers.

Protect Our Neighborhoods

Keith is focused on proper code compliance, identify ways to ensure code violations are paid and that routine violators are motivated to clean up their violations or pay the fines. Keith wants to fix the current system so that those who violate code do pay their fines and residents and neighbors don’t suffer due to violations going unpaid or properties not maintained. Keith supports a program that encourages landlords who don’t live locally to properly maintain their property through annual inspections or reviews. Keith supports the idea of hosting the Mayor’s Northend Meeting in the northend neighborhoods quarterly instead of at City Hall. With a rich and full history, Keith is committed to protecting the character and charm of each of the northends historical neighborhoods.

Neighborhoods First Initiative

Keith has launched a Neighborhoods First Initiative and a Mayor’s Neighborhood Advisory Group to provide information, share ideas and collaborate together on local issues. Residents will have a direct link to the Mayor’s office to get regular communications and have input on neighborhood priorities. This is another opportunity for residents and neighborhoods to have their issues heard and listened to.

Safety in our Neighborhoods, Parks and Streets

Keith has spoken to our police chief and supports her work in the community. Keith is focused on more community policing and looking at how technology can make our neighborhoods safer. Keith has a Homeless Action Plan that will put in place community ambassadors to check on the homeless and get them the resources they need while enforcing existing laws that protect our quality of life. Keith will review our city parks to make sure there is proper lighting, that bathrooms are safe and secure and parks are clean.

Purpose Built Communities

Keith supports the idea behind this public-private partnership for the city. Keith will work with community partners, other agencies and the private sector to help ensure the pilot program is successful. Keith will review the amount of city investment needed and where those funds can come from to ensure the community benefits.

The CRA

Keith is focused on how the CRA can work to remove blight in the community. More direct city control of the CRA is needed, but Keith wants to make sure existing projects the CRA is working on are not slowed down, stalled or halted. The city can also do a better job of marketing what the CRA does for the community so residents understand what they are getting and how they can be strong partners in the process.

In the last 48 hours, I have participated in two debates and have outlined why I am uniquely qualified and the most prepared candidate to serve as the next Mayor of West Palm Beach.

I am the only candidate who outlined detailed plans to address our top issues, and specific proposals for our neighborhoods.

Two Debates. Two Wins. Here are the highlights.

Economic Forum of Palm Beach County

February 5

To a sold-out audience, I presented my goals for our future:

1.) I launched my K.E.I.T.H Plan which focuses on the top needs and issues here in West Palm Beach. My opponents had no specific plans.

2.) I made cutting taxes, by rolling back the millage rate, one of my main priorities. We have millions of dollars from new projects that will be generated over the next few years. My plan is simple – fund essential neighborhood services and unmet needs first and then cut our tax rates, so residents get a break. None of my opponents mentioned a tax break in their opening statement.

A day later, at the Southend Neighborhood Association, we attended the city’s first neighborhood forum and in front of 100 residents we showed up with a real plan:

1.) At the forum I shared that since launching my Neighborhood’s First Initiative last week, we already have 500 residents and leaders from all parts of West Palm Beach signed up to be a part of a new Mayor’s Neighborhood Advisory Group. When elected, we will be ready to go and hit the ground running.

2.) I am the only candidate who distributed a printed, detailed plan for the southend of West Palm Beach. My opponents had no specific proposals.

3.) I outlined that as Mayor I will oversee the $240 million in infrastructure, capital improvement and 1-penny sales tax dollars for projects in our city. Nearly $60 million is for our southend neighborhoods. As Mayor, I will make sure all projects are completed and residents can have a say in their local priorities.

The election is in 33 days. Voters are going to select a new Mayor for West Palm Beach to oversee 17 departments, 1,600 employees, over 2,300 volunteers, 28 Boards and Committees, and a $186.4 million dollar operating budget.

With eight years of City Commission experience, I have been part of the creation of the city’s strategic plans, sustainability and mobility initiatives and understand our priorities and where we need to go.

WEST PALM BEACH, FL., February 1, 2019 — Keith James, city commissioner and mayoral candidate of West Palm Beach (WPB), today announces a comprehensive plan involving the city, other public entities, private sector and non-profit community to address the growing homeless population in West Palm Beach. The plan calls for leveraging WPB’s annual $4 million investment to tackle homelessness with new innovative ideas to focus on both immediate and long-term solutions.

James has supported the city’s annual $4 million investment including services and housing construction targeted for the homeless. He joins WPB constituents in making this a top priority.

“I have met with residents across our city and the growing homeless issue is on the top of everyone’s mind, including my own. That’s why I have outlined a detailed plan to not only look at long-term solutions to the issue, but steps we can take on day one to help our local businesses and residents who have expressed concern,” stated James. “I have met with community partners, our first responders, local businesses and residents before putting this plan together. I believe I have outlined a plan that balances the human element and the need to focus on our overall quality of life here in West Palm Beach.”

James has created a bold strategy and homeless action plan for WPB:

Community Ambassadors: James will prioritize the use of homeless outreach teams made up of experts and professionals who can work with our homeless population to build trust and help them find housing, a job and medical attention.

Immediate Enforcement Measures: James will take immediate steps to support local businesses and enforce anti-loitering laws to prevent people from remaining on private property when they do not have permission to be there. James will encourage businesses to execute and file trespass affidavits which will assist law enforcement in enforcing anti-loitering laws. Private security teams will be hired by the city to provide constant welfare checks on the homeless loitering on public property and in our parks.

Leverage State & Federal Funding: James will work with regional, state and national leaders to secure additional funding to address homeless issues as well as funding for drug and opioid addiction and veteran support programs.

Housing First: James has seen how this model can help people rebuild their lives. James will review how we can utilize city property as options for housing. He is focused on getting people off the streets and in homes so they can get a job, be healthy and become part of the community.

Community Partnerships: James will work with the private, non-profit and public sectors to ensure we are utilizing all available resources, that programs are effective and community services are not being duplicated.

Prevention Efforts: James will encourage programs that provide job training and education for people looking for a new career or housing assistance to those who fall on hard times to prevent them from becoming homeless.

This is the second major initiative launched by James in his campaign for Mayor. This week James launched his Neighborhoods First Initiative which is focused on making neighborhood priorities the top focus of his administration.

Commissioner Keith James was elected to the West Palm Beach City Commission in 2011 and is a two-time president of the City Commission. As the Immediate Past President of the Palm Beach County League of Cities, Board Member of the Florida League of Cities and member of Palm Beach Transportation Planning Agency, Commissioner James has become a leader on solving local municipal and regional issues of importance.

On the City Commission, Keith James has sought to create a city of opportunity where people and businesses can succeed. Under Keith James’ leadership, West Palm Beach has seen a boom in economic development and job creation, improvements in city services and increase in local neighborhood projects. Commissioner James has prioritized sound budget management, improving public safety, protecting West Palm Beach’s water supply and environment and addressing homelessness and workforce housing issues.

Keith James has been endorsed in his campaign for Mayor by Congresswoman Lois Frankel, Palm Beach County Mayor Mack Bernard, Former State Representative Joe Abruzzo, State Representative David Silvers, State Representative Emily Slosberg, Former State Representative Irv Slosberg, Former PBC Commissioner Addie Greene, Town of Jupiter Inlet Colony Mayor Dan Comerford, City of Pahokee Mayor Keith Babb, City of South Bay Mayor Joe Kyles, City of Lake Worth Commissioner Andy Amoroso, City of Lake Worth Commissioner Herman Robinson, City of Lake Worth Commissioner Omari Hardy, City of Riviera Beach Councilor Terence “TD” Davis, City of Palm Beach Gardens Councilor Mark Marciano, Town of Jupiter Inlet Colony Commissioner Milton “Chip” Block, Town of Jupiter Councilman Ilan Kaufer, Town of South Palm Beach Councilman Robert Gottlieb. These local leaders join the West Palm Beach Association of Firefighters and the AFL – CIO for Palm Beach and Treasure Coast in endorsing Keith James for Mayor.

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Keith James, city commissioner and mayoral candidate of West Palm Beach (WPB), today launches the Neighborhoods First Initiative

WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES, January 31, 2019 /EINPresswire.com/ — Keith James, city commissioner and mayoral candidate of West Palm Beach (WPB), today launches the Neighborhoods First Initiative, a strategic plan to foster community input, neighborhood city improvement ideas and ensure the voices of WPB are heard.

As the first major initiative of any candidate running for Mayor, James continues to lead the way in putting forward plans and policies of his administration. He has been hosting events in each district across the city and hundreds of people have attended to hear his vision and plan. Through the Neighborhoods First Initiative, James provides a direct line of communication between local residents and the Mayor’s office guaranteeing voices are heard for a stronger, healthier and happier city.

“I am proud to announce my Neighborhoods First Initiative. It’s a plan to ensure each and every West Palm Beach neighborhood is listened to, their ideas are taken into consideration and that we are all working together to make our community a great place to live, work and raise a family,” James stated. “Our neighborhoods are the jewels that define our city and as Mayor, I am going to work to make sure neighborhood issues and projects are prioritized and getting done sooner. The advisory groups that are formed out of my Neighborhoods First Initiative will provide valuable feedback and ideas to help shape policy and direction.”

James asks those who are interested in participating in the Neighborhoods First Initiative to register online at www.KeithJamesForMayor.com/neighborhoods-first. Once registered, participants will be enrolled for the Mayor’s Neighborhood Advisory Group. Each neighborhood will have their own advisory group that James will meet with now, and as Mayor of WPB, to discuss neighborhood priorities and ideas for the future.

About Keith James:
Commissioner Keith James was elected to the West Palm Beach City Commission in 2011 and is a two-time president of the City Commission. As the Immediate Past President of the Palm Beach County League of Cities, Board Member of the Florida League of Cities and member of Palm Beach Transportation Planning Agency, Commissioner James has become a leader on solving local municipal and regional issues of importance.

On the City Commission, Keith James has sought to create a city of opportunity where people and businesses can succeed. Under Keith James’ leadership, West Palm Beach has seen a boom in economic development and job creation, improvements in city services and increase in local neighborhood projects. Commissioner James has prioritized sound budget management, improving public safety, protecting West Palm Beach’s water supply and environment and addressing homelessness and workforce housing issues.

https://www.keithjamesformayor.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Neighborhoods-First-3.png6281200Keith James Campaignhttps://www.keithjamesformayor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/keithjames-logo.pngKeith James Campaign2019-01-31 16:23:112019-02-01 17:01:50Mayoral Candidate and City Commissioner Keith James Launches Neighborhoods First Initiative

WEST PALM BEACH, Fl. — January 26, 2019 —Keith James, city commissioner and mayoral candidate of West Palm Beach (WPB) District 4, announced that the West Palm Beach Association of Firefighters has officially endorsed his March 2019 Campaign for Mayor of West Palm Beach. This is the first major organizational endorsement in the Mayor’s race and a strong momentum builder for the Keith James campaign.

The West Palm Beach Association of Firefighters (IAFF) local 727, is a leading voice for the city’s public safety. Considered one of Florida’s best trained and organized fire departments, the association represents over 230 men and women who make up the department. The West Palm Beach firefighters are one of the most trusted organizations in West Palm Beach.

“We are proud to support Keith James for West Palm Beach Mayor. For the past 7 years, Keith has proved to be a tireless advocate for improving public safety,” said Jayson French, president of the West Palm Beach Association of Firefighters. “His support has been crucial in ensuring that firefighters have the new technology, training and manpower needed to protect our community. As a result, response times are improved and residents are safer. His vision and temperament are what West Palm Beach needs. Keith is the key to a brighter future.”

The Association of Firefighters are an important endorsement for any campaign running in West Palm Beach. They bring grassroots support to help knock on doors, contact voters and will be a strong resource in the campaign. They have a proven record of endorsing winning campaigns and their endorsement of Keith James is a testament to Keith’s strong organizational structure and winning foundation.

“I am honored to have the endorsement of our firefighters. These men and women put their lives on the line to keep our community safe,” said Keith James, WPB District 4 city commissioner and 2019 mayoral candidate. “Every day I am out in the community speaking with residents, and people want to know that they are safe, they have an opportunity to get a good job, send their kids to great schools and have a strong quality of life. I am going to be a Mayor that listens, who is driven by solutions and is focused on getting results. I am excited to have the firefighters join my team and share my vision of creating a community of opportunity in West Palm Beach.”

About Keith James:
Commissioner Keith James was elected to the West Palm Beach City Commission in 2011 and is a two-time president of the City Commission. As the Immediate Past President of the Palm Beach County League of Cities, Board Member of the Florida League of Cities and member of Palm Beach Transportation Planning Agency, Commissioner James has become a leader on solving local municipal and regional issues of importance.

On the City Commission, Keith James has sought to create a city of opportunity where people and businesses can succeed. Under Keith James’ leadership, West Palm Beach has seen a boom in economic development and job creation, improvements in city services and increase in local neighborhood projects. Commissioner James has prioritized sound budget management, improving public safety, protecting West Palm Beach’s water supply and environment and addressing homelessness and workforce housing issues.

https://www.keithjamesformayor.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/WPB-Firefighters-Association-e1548542553215.jpg400400Keith James Campaignhttps://www.keithjamesformayor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/keithjames-logo.pngKeith James Campaign2019-01-26 22:40:452019-02-01 16:58:20Mayoral Candidate and City Commissioner Keith James Endorsed by West Palm Beach Association of Firefighters

Today I joined with nearly 1,000 Palm Beach County community leaders and local advocates to honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Words alone cannot express the energy in the room. This passion was rooted not only in celebrating Dr. King’s legacy, but in the drive each and every one of us shared in carrying forward Dr. King’s mission of creating a more just, equal and fair society.

Dr. King asked it best:

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?”

We each accomplish this goal in many different ways. All my life I have worked to help give an opportunity to the powerless, assistance to the downtrodden, and a voice to the voiceless.

In my experience, service comes in many shapes and forms. Whether as a father, encouraging my children to work hard and pursue their dreams; as a young lawyer, helping people overcome adversity so they can achieve their aspirations; in the community, volunteering with our non-profits and organizations to help others move forward; or as a City Commissioner, working to create a community of opportunity for all our residents – Dr. King’s message of service has been a foundation of my life’s work.

What my life has taught me is you don’t need to have a title to be of service. You don’t need to be an elected leader to make a difference in your community. People every day are helping others in their own families, communities and cities. Dr. King’s message of service rings true today, perhaps at a time when we need to hear it the most.

While today we honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., it’s the challenge to answer his question not only today, but tomorrow and so forth, that will truly make a difference.

“What are you doing for others?” It’s a question that I have answered daily and one that will continue to be a foundation of my life’s work.

Yours in service,

Keith James

https://www.keithjamesformayor.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/50303830_1908269515951158_7667099042400174080_n.jpg640960Keith James Campaignhttps://www.keithjamesformayor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/keithjames-logo.pngKeith James Campaign2019-01-21 11:00:242019-02-01 16:58:14What are you doing for others?